Health Communication and Health Outcome Analysis of Female Hepatitis Patients in Baluchistan

Abstract

This study presents an analysis of the underlying factors which affect health communication in female hepatitis patients in Baluchistan. Qualitative research approach has been employed to carefully study the condition of patients having chronic diseases. Purposive sampling technique has been adopted wherein in-depth interviews were conducted with 15 physicians stationed in three public sector hospitals in Quetta. For data analysis, thematic analysis technique was employed. Based on the analysis, this study deduces that better health outcomes are dependent on health communication at individual, organizational and societal level. The study further identifies that health literacy, health behavior, cultural competence, gender, and women perception of diseases affect health communication of female hepatitis patients. The findings of the research suggest that the health communication strategies should be effectively utilized for promoting proper health communication and propagating preventive health awareness. The study further recommends that the academia should step forward to seek the attention of stakeholders to this particular issue. The results of the study have potential implications to strengthen the whole health care system by considering the communicative aspect of public health.